Device with Handle Actuated Element

ABSTRACT

This disclosure may disclose, inter alia, devices, systems, and methods for cleaning or removing contamination from a lens, or for increasing visibility of a lens during surgery. For example, a device with a handle actuated element is disclosed. The device includes a shaft that includes a rod, an element coupled to a distal tip of the rod, and a handle coupled to a proximal end of the rod. Actuation of the handle into a first position may cause the handle to be configured in a substantially hexagonal shape and may cause deployment of the element from the shaft. Actuation of the handle into a second position may cause the handle to be configured in a substantially rectangular shape and may cause retraction of the element into the shaft. The device may be introduced into an abdomen, and an element on the device can be deployed during surgery.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a mechanical device, a handle for themechanical device, and a method for cleaning or removing contaminationfrom a medical camera. In examples, the present disclosure relates to amedical device for increasing visibility of a laparoscope lens duringsurgery.

BACKGROUND

During laparoscopic surgery, a distal laparoscope lens frequentlybecomes contaminated due to contact with blood or tissue, or may becomefoggy due to condensation. When the lens becomes contaminated or foggy,the lens provides a reduced visibility. This reduced visibilitygenerally requires a surgeon to remove the laparoscope, clean the lens,soak the lens in warm saline in a thermos to prevent fogging whenreturned into a warm humid environment of an abdomen, and finallyreplacing the laparoscope into the abdomen. Often, when the laparoscopeis replaced, the laparoscope lens may touch tissue in or at a distal endof a cannula requiring the cleaning procedure to be repeated. Theseactivities are generally repeated several times during a surgery.

Repeated removal of the laparoscope for lens cleaning interrupts thesurgical procedure, wasting valuable time in the operating room. Theseinterruptions are a frustration to the surgeon(s), cause delay in theoperation, and may complicate the operation as well. For example, afterthe laparoscope is reinserted into the abdomen (following a cleaningprocedure), the laparoscope will need to be rotated and adjusted toreturn to a previous view, and a step in the procedure is generallyrestarted where the interruption occurred. Stopping and restarting theprocedure can lead to mistakes. Also, a frequent source of offendingcontamination includes a severed blood vessel. In such an instance, at atime that this issue should be dealt with quickly, the surgeon may notbe able to see well enough to stop the bleeding, and thus, the proceduremay need to be interrupted while the bleeding continues in order toclean the laparoscope lens.

SUMMARY

In one example, a device is described that comprises a shaft thatincludes a rod, an element coupled to a distal tip of the rod, and ahandle coupled to a proximal end of the rod. The distal tip of the rodmay provide an internal structure for the element. Actuation of thehandle into a first position may cause deployment of the element fromthe shaft and actuation of the handle into a second position may causeretraction of the element into the shaft.

In another example, a device is described that comprises a shaft thatincludes a rod, and a sponge coupled to a distal tip of the rod. Thedistal tip of the rod may extend to a distal end of the sponge, and thesponge may be in a compressed form within the shaft and in an expandedform deployed from the shaft. The shaft may be configured for insertioninto a human body.

In still another example, a device is described that comprises a shaftthat includes a rod, a sponge coupled to a distal end of the rod, and ahandle coupled to a proximal end of the rod. Actuation of the handleinto a first position may cause deployment of the sponge from the shaftand actuation of the handle into a second position may cause retractionof the sponge into the shaft. In addition, actuation of the handle intothe first position may cause the handle to be configured in asubstantially hexagonal shape, and actuation of the handle into thesecond position may cause the handle to be configured in a substantiallyrectangular shape.

In another example, a handle is described that comprises a topcomprising a first end and a second end, a first top side coupled to thefirst end of the top via a first corner hinge, and a second top sidecoupled to the second end of the top via a second corner hinge. Thehandle further comprises a first bottom side coupled to the first topside via a first side hinge, a second bottom side coupled to the secondtop side via a second side hinge, and a bottom coupled to the firstbottom side via a third corner hinge and coupled to the second bottomside via a fourth corner hinge.

In another example, a handle is described that comprises a top, abottom, and a first side and a second side coupled to the top and thebottom via corner hinges. The first side and the second side includeside hinges.

In yet another example, a handle for a laparoscopic lens internalcleaning device is described. The handle may be coupled to a proximalend of the device. Actuation of the handle into a first position mayresult in the handle being configured in a substantially hexagonal shapeand may cause deployment of a sponge from the device. Actuation of thehandle into a second position may result in the handle being configuredin a substantially rectangular shape and may cause retraction of thesponge into the shaft.

In further examples, methods for operating a device, methods forintroducing a cleaning device into a body, and methods for actuating acleaning device are provided.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the figures and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example device.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a distal portion of the device in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a proximal portion of the device in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3C-3D illustrate conceptual example operation of the device inFIG. 1.

FIGS. 3E-3F illustrate example operation of a handle of the device inFIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate example configurations for a sponge for devicesdescribed herein.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate additional example configurations for a spongefor devices described herein.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an example operation of a laparoscopic lensinternal cleaning system (LLICS).

FIG. 7 illustrates an example operation of another laparoscopic lensinternal cleaning system (LLICS).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying figures, which form a part hereof. In the figures, similarsymbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detaileddescription, figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It willbe readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, asgenerally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can bearranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a widevariety of different configurations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated herein.

Laparoscopy is a form of surgery in which instruments are introducedinto a body wall (e.g., an abdominal cavity) through puncture orificesor incisions into the abdominal wall. The incisions may be generallysmall incisions (e.g., 0.5-1.5 cm). Laparoscopic procedures generallyuse a trocar that comprises a cannula or trocar sleeve (a hollow sheathor sleeve with a central lumen). The trocar can be used to penetrate theabdominal wall, and the cannula can be inserted into the abdominalcavity. The cannula remains in the body wall throughout the surgicalprocedure and instruments used during laparoscopic procedures may beintroduced into the abdomen through the cannula. Trocars, includingcannulae, are available in different sizes to accommodate varioussurgical needs.

An example instrument that may be introduced into the body wall througha cannula, for example, includes a laparoscope. A laparoscope includes alens at a distal end that may be coupled to a camera to enablevisualizing an interior of an abdominal cavity. A laparoscope may beused to inspect and diagnose a condition or to perform surgery.

In some instances, the camera lens of the laparoscope may becomeobscured during surgery. For example, during surgery, the camera lensmay become contaminated due to contact with blood or tissue, or foggydue to condensation.

This disclosure may disclose, inter alia, devices, systems, and methodsfor cleaning or removing contamination from a lens of a medical camera,or for increasing visibility of a laparoscope lens during surgery. As anexample, a device may be introduced into the abdomen through a cannulathat includes a sponge that may be used to clean the lens. The cannulacan be inserted through one of several trocar cannula already in placefor a variety of minimally invasive instruments used during procedures.After inserting the cannula, the sponge on the device can be deployed bythe surgeon to clean the lens, for example.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example device100. The device 100 includes a handle 102 coupled to a shaft 104. Theshaft 104 includes a rod 106, and the shaft 104 may be a housing for therod 106 such that the rod 106 is entirely within the shaft 104 in oneconfiguration, for example. One end of the rod 106 may be coupled to thehandle 102 via an actuation member 108, and the other end of the rod 106may be coupled to a sponge 110. The rod 106 may extend to a distal endof the sponge 110 or may substantially extend to a distal end of thesponge 110, for example. In some examples, the actuation member 108 andthe rod 106 may be the same element, and thus, one end of the rod 106may be coupled to the handle 102 and the other end of the rod 106 may becoupled to a sponge 110.

The handle 102 may comprise a plastic material, and portions of thehandle 102 may be flexible in some examples. The shaft 104 may compriseplastic, metal, glass, fiberglass or combinations of plastic, metal,glass and fiberglass, and may be of various lengths including about 4inches to about 16 inches depending on an application of the device 100,for example. The shaft 104 and/or rod 106 may comprise materials suchthat the shaft 104 and/or rod 106 are flexible or rigid. The shaft 104may be generally tubular, cylindrical, or other shape that is configuredfor insertion into a human body or a body cavity. The shaft 104 may beabout 10 inches to about 16 inches long, depending on an application ofthe device 100. The shaft 104 may be hollow, such as a hollow tube orcannula. The rod 106/actuation member 108 may comprise similar materialsas the shaft 104, and may be of similar sizes and shapes.

In one example, the rod 106 and the actuation member 108 may be the samecomponent. For instance, the rod 106 may extend from a top of the handle102 through an opening at a bottom of the handle 102 and into the shaft104, and may be connected to the sponge 110. In this example, theactuation member 108 may be a proximal end of the rod 106.

The sponge 110 may comprise a porous material that may absorb fluid. Insome examples, the sponge 110 may include a material comprisingcellulose wood fibers, or foamed plastic polymers. The sponge 110 mayinclude other synthetic materials, such as low-density polyether orpolyester. The sponge 110 may also include open cell foam, closed cellfoam, or hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials. The sponge 110 may be ina compressed form within the shaft 104, and thus, the sponge 110 mayhave a diameter larger than that of the shaft 104. The sponge 110 maythus expand upon being deployed from the shaft 104.

In some examples, the size of the sponge 110 relative to a size of theshaft 104 helps maintain deployment or retraction of the sponge 110. Forinstance, during retraction, the sponge 110 is compressed in the shaft104 holding the sponge 110 in place. During deployment, the sponge 110is expanded outside of the shaft 104 holding the sponge 110 in place.The sponge 110 may be of any length, and in examples, may be about 0.25inches to about 2 inches in length. In some examples, a length of thesponge 110 may be about less than or equal to a length of exposed rod106 in a deployed position.

FIG. 1A illustrates the device 100 in a retracted form, in which thehandle 102 has not been actuated, or alternatively, has been actuated tocause the device to be in the retracted form. In the retracted form, thesponge 110 remains inside the shaft 104, as shown in FIG. 1A. In someexamples, in retracted form the sponge 110 may remain fully inside theshaft 104 (as shown), and in other examples, the sponge 110 may remainat least substantially inside the shaft 104. In still another example, acover (not shown) may be present at the distal end of the shaft 104 toprovide an enclosed shaft 104 during the retracted form of the device100.

FIG. 1B illustrates the device 100 in a deployed form, in which thehandle 102 has been actuated in an actuation configuration. In thedeployed form, the actuation member 108 pushes against the rod 106 (orthe handle 102 pushes against the rod 106) causing the sponge 110 to bedeployed out of the shaft 104. In an example in which the actuationmember 108 and the rod 106 are the same element, actuation of the handle102 causes the rod 106 to deploy. In some examples, in the deployed formthe sponge 110 may be fully deployed from the shaft 104, and in otherexamples, a portion of the sponge 110 may be deployed.

An extent of deployment of the sponge 110 may be related to an amount ofactuation of the handle 102. For example, in operation of the device100, a top and bottom of the handle 102 may be squeezed or a top of thehandle 102 may be pressed to cause the actuation member 108 to move therod 106 in a distal direction forcing the sponge 110 out of the shaft104. A length that the actuation member 108 moves may be the same as (orsubstantially equivalent) to a length that the rod 106 moves, which inturn, may be the same as (or substantially equivalent) to an amount ofthe sponge 110 that will be forced out of the shaft 104, for example.

As another example of operation of the device 100, sides of the handle102 may be squeezed to cause a retraction of the sponge 110 into theshaft 104. In one example, a retraction of the sponge 110 may use a gripstrength of a user, along with a mechanical advantage of the handle 102to enable compression of the sponge 110 during retraction into the shaft104. For instance, the sponge 110 may be of a size or have a diameterlarger than a diameter of the shaft 110, such that the sponge 110expands during deployment and the sponge 110 compresses duringretraction.

In one example, the shaft 104 is hollow and the rod 106 may bepositioned within the shaft 104. The rod 106 may move freely within theshaft 104 via actuation of the handle 102. When the device 100 is in aconfiguration as shown in FIG. 1A, with the handle 102 in an openposition, the sponge 110 is retracted. No tension/force may be needed tobe applied to the handle 102 to enable the device 100 to be in or remainin the configuration shown in FIG. 1A. The configuration of the device100 may be considered a default position, for example. When the device100 is in a configuration as shown in FIG. 1B, with the handle 102 in aclosed position, the sponge 110 is deployed. In some examples, a tensionor force may be applied to the handle 102 to force the rod 106 to holdin place for deployment of the sponge 110. In other examples, followingdeployment of the sponge 110 via actuation of the handle 102, notension/force is needed to maintain deployment of the sponge 110. Thehandle 102 may lock in the closed position due to a mechanical lockingstructure (not shown), or may effectively lock in the closed positiondue to elasticity of material of the handle 102, for example. Inaddition, the sponge 110 may expand upon deployment thus providing alocking effect and holding the handle 102 and rod 106 in a deployedconfiguration since the sponge 110 may not retract back into the shaft104 without an applied force, for example. Thus, in some examples, thesponge 110 in an expanded configuration may hold the deployed position,while the sponge 110 in a compressed configuration may hold theretracted position.

In other examples, the shaft 104 may include threads, and the rod 106may include corresponding threads such that the rod 106 may move viaactuation of the handle 102 causing the rod 106 to be driven along thethreads similar to a screw mechanism. Upon deployment of the sponge 110,the threaded device may hold the rod 106 in a given position causing thesponge 110 to remain deployed, for example.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a distal portion of the device in FIG. 1. FIG. 2Aillustrates an example of the sponge 110 inside the shaft 104 when thesponge 110 is not deployed. In FIG. 2A, the sponge 110 may be compressedinside the shaft 104. FIG. 2B illustrates an example of the sponge 110deployed. As shown in FIG. 2B, the sponge 110 expands upon deployment tohave a larger surface area and a larger shape.

In some examples, the sponge 110 may be coupled to the rod 106 and maynot be interchangeable. In other examples, the sponge 110 may be aninterchangeable, disposable component, such that the sponge 110 may beused and disconnected from the rod 106 and replaced with a new sponge.

In addition, although FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate the sponge 110 coupled tothe rod 106 at a distal end of the device 100, other elements may becoupled to the rod 106. For example, elements such as a gripper, a claw,scissors, a needle, a knife, a light, or any other elements generallyused during medical surgery may be coupled to the rod 106. Thus,generally, any type of element, or combination of elements, that may beused during surgery and that can be retracted and deployed from theshaft 104 may be coupled to the rod 106.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a proximal portion of the device 100 in FIG. 1including the handle 102. In FIG. 3A, the handle 102 is in a positionsuch that the sponge 110 is not deployed or is retracted (as shown inFIG. 1A). In FIG. 3B, the handle 102 is in a position such that thesponge 110 is deployed (as shown in FIG. 1B).

The handle 102 includes corner hinges 112 a-d and side hinges 114 a-bthat coupled together a top 116, a bottom 118, and sides 120, 122, 124,and 126. Sides 120 and 124 may be top sides (e.g., opposing top sides),and sides 122 and 126 may be bottom sides (e.g., opposing bottom sides).In another example, the sides 120 and 122 may be considered a first sideof the handle 102 that includes the side hinge 114 b at a centralposition, and the sides 124 and 126 may be considered a second side ofthe handle 102 that includes the side hinge 114 a at a central position.In other examples, the handle 102 may not include explicit hinges (e.g.,hinges 112 a-d and 114 a-b), but rather, the material comprising theperimeter of the handle 102 including the top 116, the bottom 118, andthe sides 120, 122, 124, and 126 may be of a flexible material thatenables the handle 102 to bend or flex as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B.

The top 116 and the bottom 118 may be about the same length, and thesides 120, 122, 124, and 126 may be about the same length. In addition,the sides 120, 122, 124, and 126 may have a larger length than a lengthof the top 116 or a length of the bottom 118.

The handle 102 further includes top side stoppers 128 a-b, bottom sidestoppers 130 a-b, and a top middle stopper 132 and a bottom middlestopper 134. Each of top sides 120 and 124 may include a top sidestopper 128 a-b on an inner surface of the top side 120 and 124.Similarly, each of the bottom sides 122 and 126 may include a bottomside stopper 130 a-b on an inner surface of the bottom side 122 and 126.

In one example, the rod 106 is attached to a top of the handle 102 atthe top middle stopper 132 (e.g., within a receiver hole of the topmiddle stopper 132), and the rod 106 passes through an opening of thebottom middle stopper 134. The shaft 104 may be fixed to the bottom 118and/or to the bottom middle stopper 134.

The handle 102, and all components of the handle 102, may comprise oneintegral piece. Alternatively, components of the handle 102 may becoupled together using snap-tight connections, glue, welds, screws, etc.

Thus, the top 116, the bottom 118, the side 120, 122, 124, and 126, thecorner hinges 112 a-d, and the side hinges 114 a-b may be one integralcomponent, or may be manufactured from one piece of material, forexample. Components of the handle 102 may comprise a flexible material,such as a plastic. For example, the corner hinges 112 a-d and the sidehinges 114 a-b may be a plastic material that may bend under a force. Inone example, the corner hinges 112 a-d and the side hinges 114 a-b maybe or may include a “living hinge”. For instance, the corner hinges 112a-d and the side hinges 114 a-b enable the handle 102 to be compressedboth in a lengthwise and a widthwise direction.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of the handle 102 compressed in alengthwise (longitudinal) direction. To do so, a user may squeeze thehandle 102 by pressing the top 116 and the bottom 118 toward each otheras shown by Arrows A-B. The handle 102 may be compressed lengthwise anyamount and to an extent such that the top side stoppers 128 a-b contactthe bottom side stoppers 130 a-b, and the top middle stopper 132contacts the bottom middle stopper 134. In addition, or alternatively,the handle 102 may be compressed any amount and to an extent such thatthe top middle stopper 132 contacts the bottom middle stopper 134 (thetop side stoppers 128 a-b may not contact the bottom side stoppers 130a-b when fully compressed). When the handle 102 is compressed as shownby Arrows A-B, the actuation member 108 may be forced into the shaft 104and push the rod 106 in a distal direction.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of the handle 102 compressed in awidthwise (lateral) direction. To do so, a user may squeeze the handle102 by pressing the side hinge 114 a toward the side hinge 114 b asshown by Arrows C-D in FIG. 3B. In addition, or alternatively, a usermay press sides 120 and 122 toward sides 124 and 126. The handle 102 maybe compressed widthwise any amount and to an extent such that the topside stoppers 128 a-b contact the top middle stopper 132, and the bottomside stoppers 130 a-b contact the bottom middle stopper 134. Theactuation member 108 may be coupled to the top middle stopper 132 or thetop 116, such that when the handle 102 is compressed as shown by ArrowsC-D, the actuation member 108 is retracted from the shaft 104 and pullsthe rod 106 in a proximal direction.

FIGS. 3C-D illustrate conceptual example operation of the handle 102being compressed laterally and longitudinally. FIG. 3C illustrates auser compressing the handle 102 in a lateral manner to deploy the sponge110. FIG. 3D illustrates a user compressing the handle 102 in alongitudinal manner to retract the sponge 110.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the handle 102 may be configured to be in a form ofa rectangular shape. In other examples, the handle 102 may be a square,oval, or other shapes. As shown in FIG. 3B, the handle 102 may also beconfigured to be in a form of a hexagonal shape.

FIGS. 3E-3F illustrate example operation of the corner hinges 112 a-dand side hinges 114 a-b. The corner hinges 112 a-d and the side hinges114 a-b generally connect portions of the handle 102 and allow an angleof rotation between the portions or allow portions of the handle 102 torotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation. As shownin FIG. 3E, side hinges 114 a-b enable sides 120, 122, 124, and 126 torotate about the line C-D depicted in FIG. 3E. In particular, a firsttop side 120 may rotate about the line C-D relative to a first bottomside 122 such that the first top side 120 and the first bottom side 122are about 180° apart. Similarly, a second top side 124 may rotate aboutthe line C-D relative to a second bottom side 126 such that the secondtop side 124 and the second bottom side 126 are about 180° apart. Asshown in FIG. 3F, side hinges 114 a-b further enable sides 120, 122,124, and 126 to rotate toward each other. In particular, the first topside 120 may rotate about the line A-B relative to the first bottom side122 such that the first top side 120 and the first bottom side 122 areabout 60° apart. Similarly, the second top side 124 may rotate about theline A-B relative to the second bottom side 126 such that the second topside 124 and the second bottom side 126 are about 60° apart.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3F, corner hinges 112 a-d enable the sides120, 122, 124, and 126 to rotate about an axis relative to the top 116and the bottom 118. In particular, the first top side 120 may rotateabout the axis relative to the top 116 such that the first top side 120and the top 116 are about 150° apart. Similarly, the second top side 124may rotate about the axis relative to the top 116 such that the secondtop side 124 and the top 116 are about 150° apart. In addition, thefirst bottom side 122 may rotate about the axis relative to the bottom118 such that the first bottom side 122 and the bottom 118 are about150° apart. Similarly, the second bottom side 126 may rotate about theaxis relative to the bottom 118 such that the second bottom side 126 andthe bottom 118 are about 150° apart.

As shown in FIG. 3E, corner hinges 112 a-d further enable the sides 120,122, 124, and 126 to rotate toward the top 116 and the bottom 118. Inparticular, the first top side 120 may rotate about the axis relative tothe top 116 such that the first top side 120 and the top 116 are about90° apart. Similarly, the second top side 124 may rotate about the axisrelative to the top 116 such that the second top side 124 and the top116 are about 90° apart. In addition, the first bottom side 122 mayrotate about the axis relative to the bottom 118 such that the firstbottom side 122 and the bottom 118 are about 90° apart. Similarly, thesecond bottom side 126 may rotate about the axis relative to the bottom118 such that the second bottom side 126 and the bottom 118 are about90° apart.

Thus, the lines A-B and C-D in FIGS. 3E-F depict a path that the sidehinges 114 a-b and corner hinges 112 a-d travel through when flexing.The sides 120, 122, 124, and 126 rotate about an axis that is located ateach hinge and extends in the Z direction with the lines A-B and C-Ddefining X and Y directions, for example. An amount of rotation allowedor enabled by the corner hinges 112 a-d and the side hinges 114 a-b maybe limited due to contact of the top side stoppers 128 a-b with the topmiddle stopper 132 and the bottom side stoppers 130 a-b with the bottommiddle stopper 134 in one example (shown in FIG. 3E), or due to contactof the top side stoppers 128 a-b with the bottom side stoppers 130 a-band contact of the top middle stopper 132 with the bottom middle stopper134 in another example (shown in FIG. 3F). In some examples, the sidehinges 114 a-b may have a greater amount of possible rotation than thecorner hinges 112 a-d. The side hinges 114 a-b may allow rotation ofcomponents of the handle 102 in a range of about 45° to about 180°, andthe corner hinges 112 a-d may allow rotation of components of the handle102 in a range of about 90° to about 180°, for example.

In some examples, the top 116, the first top side 120, the second topside 124, the first bottom side 122, the second bottom side 126, and thebottom 118 are configured to be a substantially rectangular shape, asshown in FIG. 3E. The substantially rectangular shape may result withthe side hinges 114 a-b configured to be at an angle of about 180° andeach of the corner hinges 112 a-d configured to be at an angle of about90°. In other examples, the top 116, the first top side 120, the secondtop side 124, the first bottom side 122, the second bottom side 126, andthe bottom 118 are configured to be a substantially hexagonal shape. Thesubstantially hexagonal shape may result with the side hinges 114 a-bconfigured to be at an angle of about 60° and each of the corner hinges112 a-d configured to be at an angle of about 150°. The handle 102 maybe considered to be a substantially hexagonal shape with six verticesdefined at positions of the side hinges 114 a-b and the corner hinges112 a-d. The hexagonal shape of the handle 102 may further be consideredan oval shape or substantially oval shape in some examples.

The handle 102 may be used for a variety of applications. As shown inFIGS. 3C-3D, the handle 102 may be used to deploy and retract a sponge.However, the handle 102 may be used for other applications as well tocause a rod to be pushed or pulled. This mechanical motion created bysqueezing the handle 102 in either direction may have applicationsincluding opening and closing jaws for grasping or cutting, orarticulating a distal tip, for example.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate example configurations for a sponge for devicesdescribed herein (such as for sponge 110 in FIG. 1B). FIG. 4Aillustrates an example of a distal end 140 of the rod 106. The distalend 140 of the rod 106 includes a tip 142 with protuberances 144 a-e andprotuberances 146 a-b. The tip 142 may have a smaller diameter than aremaining portion of the rod 106, for example.

The protuberances 144 a-e and 146 a-b may function as attachment pointsfor sponge material or sponge element. In one example, the protuberances144 a-e and 146 a-b are used to weld a sponge to the tip 142 duringmanufacturing. A sponge may be welded to the tip 142 of the rod 106 atboth ends using protuberances 144 a-e and protuberances 146 a-b. Thesponge material may be assembled to the rod 106 under tension so thatthe sponge material does not fold back on itself during retraction,which may allow the sponge material to have a larger diameter than theshaft 104, for example.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example of a sponge material 148 coupled to thetip 142 of the rod 106. The sponge material 148 may take the form ofseveral different configurations. In one example, the sponge material148 may include a compressible sponge in the shaft 104, and whendeployed, the sponge material 148 may expand into a number ofgeometrical shapes (e.g., cylindrical or spherical). As shown in FIG.4B, the rod 106 via the tip 142 extends to a distal end of the spongematerial 148. In some examples, the tip 142 provides an internalstructure to the sponge material 148. The tip 142 may enable the spongematerial 148 to be rigid.

As another example, the tip 142 may be provided at an angle with respectto the rod 106 such that the tip 142 (and the sponge material 148) maybend away or toward the rod 106. The tip 142 may bend away or toward therod 106 upon application of a force, for example.

FIG. 4C is an alternate example of a distal end 150 of the rod 106. Thedistal end 150 may include two tips 152 and 154, and sponge material 156may cover both tips 152 and 154. In this example, the distal end 150includes multiple elements in a “Y” shape such that sponge material isprovided around arms of the “Y” shape. The tips 152 and 154 may compressand bend at a junction of the tips 152 and 154. Upon deployment, thetips 152 and 154 may expand into the “Y” position due to a springelement 160 between the tips 152 and 154. In some examples, using thespring element 160 provides the tips 152 and 154 at various angles.

FIG. 4D is still another alternate example of a distal end 170 of therod 106. In this example, sponge material 172 may be coupled to thedistal end 170 of the rod 106. The sponge material 172 may cover astructure 174, which may be filled with air, saline, or a surfactantupon deployment of the device. The structure 174 may be a balloon-typestructure comprising a flexible material. The structure 174 may create afirm surface upon which the sponge material 172 is present.

In some examples, using any of the configurations of a sponge deviceshown in FIGS. 4A-4D, sponge material may be of various sizes andshapes, and may include a triangle, square, or oval shape, and may belarge enough to wipe about a 10 mm laparoscopic lens. Other examples andconfigurations are possible as well.

In some examples, using any of the configurations of a sponge deviceshown in FIGS. 4A-4D, a surfactant may be added to the sponge materialto wet a sponge tip prior to use. An example solution may includePoloxamer 188. The sponge material may thus be pre-loaded with a fluid,such that after deployment, the sponge is moist.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate additional example configurations for a spongefor devices described herein (such as for sponge 110 in FIG. 1B). FIG.5A illustrates an example of a distal end 180 of the rod 106. The distalend 180 of the rod 106 includes a tip 182 with holes, such as hole 184.The rod 106 may include a fluid which can be pumped through the holes184. In one example, the rod 106 may include a syringe 186.

FIG. 5B illustrates a sponge material 188 coupled to the tip 182. Thesyringe 186 may be filled with saline, and may be used to fill a hollowcenter of the sponge material 188 with saline. In some examples, thismay distend a surface of the sponge material 188 to present a convex,flexible surface on which the lens may be wiped. Additionally, thesponge material 188 may “weep” as the saline slowly seeps through, whichprovides a cleaning action for the sponge material 188 and may preventscratching of the lens.

Thus, using the example sponge configuration in FIGS. 5A-5B, saline or asurfactant fluid may be injected into the sponge material 188 to moistenthe sponge material 188. As another example, holes may be present onlyin a half or one side of the tip 182 such that one side of the spongematerial 188 may be moistened. Using this example, a surgeon may cleanthe lens with a moist side of the sponge material 188 and then rotatethe sponge material 188 to present a dry side for a final cleaning

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an example operation of a laparoscopic lensinternal cleaning system (LLICS) 190. The LLICS 190 may be similar to orthe same as the device 100 in FIGS. 1A-1B. The LLICS 190 is showninserted into a body cavity through a layer 192 of a body. The LLICS 190may be inserted through one of several trocar cannulae in place for avariety of minimally invasive instruments used during procedures, suchas micro-dissection scissors, suction, irrigation, retractors, graspers,ultrasonic or electrosurgical devices, etc. The LLICS 190 may beconfigured so as to fit through about a 5 mm laparoscopic accesscannula, for example. Also, a device 194 is inserted into the bodycavity. The device 194 may be or include a laparoscope lens, forexample. In FIG. 6A, the LLICS 190 is shown with a handle 196 is an openposition, such that no sponge is deployed.

FIG. 6B illustrates the LLICS 190 with the handle 196 in a closedposition in which a sponge 198 is deployed at a distal end of the LLICS190. The sponge 198 may be used to clean a lens of the device 194, forexample. In operation of the LLICS 190, when a user presses a top of thehandle 196, or squeezes the hexagonal from the top side, a sponge 198extends out of the LLICS 190 at a distal end into a deployed position.When a user squeezes an outside of the handle 196, the sponge 198retracts into the cannula with a mechanical advantage. The retractionmotion uses grip strength, along with a mechanical advantage which helpscompression of an oversized sponge during retraction, for example.

Thus, in an example use, a surgeon may retract the sponge 198 bysqueezing the handle 196, insert the LLICS device 190 through anexisting access cannula, and activate a deployment mechanism by pressingor squeezing the handle 196 from the top. This will drive the sponge 198out the distal end of the device 190. The sponge 198 has a largerdiameter than a cannula of the device 190, and is compressed whenretracted. The sponge 198 can be used to clean the lens, retracted, andremoved through the trocar access cannula. To remove, the surgeon maypull the push rod back by squeezing the handle in an opposite manner,and the sponge returns to an original position in the LLICS 190 forremoval through the access cannula.

Thus, the handle 196 may be configured to be actuated into a firstposition by squeezing the handle 196 with the handle 196 oriented in afirst direction to cause deployment of the sponge 198 from the shaft,and the handle 196 may be configured to be actuated into a secondposition by squeezing the handle 196 with the handle 196 oriented in asecond direction to cause retraction of the sponge 198 into the shaft.The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction.Actuation of the handle 196 into the first position may cause the handle196 to be configured in a substantially hexagonal shape, and actuationof the handle 196 into the second position may cause the handle 196 tobe configured in a substantially rectangular shape.

The device 190 can be used more than once, and may also be disposable. Arod/shaft of the device 190 may comprise a metal cannula and a plasticpush rod that has fiberglass added for additional strength, for example.Thus, the device 190 may be used for other functions during a surgicalprocedure as well, such as to move/push (retract) objects or for softtissue dissection.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example operation of another laparoscopic lensinternal cleaning system (LLICS) 200. The LLICS 200 may be similar tothe LLICS 190 shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. However, the LLICS 200 includes ahandle 202 that has a different configuration. As shown, the handle 202may include a syringe type handle with three holes for a surgeon'sthumb, and first and middle fingers. A top component 204 may be pushedand pulled to deploy and retract a sponge 206.

Example configurations of devices described herein were tested using acomputer-based endoscope test device called EndoBench™, made byLighthouse Imaging Corporation of Portland, Me. Testing providedquantitative data of cleaning results of devices, such as device 100 inFIGS. 1A-1B, compared to other cleaning procedures used in surgery.

Examples tests were performed to quantify cleaning results using thedevice 100 to clean a lens of a scope. The lens of a scope (e.g.,endoscope) was contaminated with various material, and the device 100was used to clean the lens. Testing was performed to determine theModulus Transfer Function (MTF), which is the optical parameter forclarity, of the lens after cleaning. The EndoBench™ may measure the MTFin five locations within an endoscope field of view; center, upperquadrant, right quadrant, lower quadrant, and left quadrant. An averageof all five data points can be reported and a standard deviation can becalculated and reported. Results of testing are shown below in Table 1.

Initially, proximal and distal lenses of the scope were cleaned withwipes and denatured alcohol. The EndoBench MTF test was performed todetermine a default measurement for a clean lens (92.7), and results areshown in Table 1 as line 1. Baseline (Test code #1). Following, theendoscope distal lens was contaminated with bovine blood. The EndoBenchMTF test was performed to determine the MTF (8.2) of the contaminatedlens, and results are shown in Table 1 as line 2. Blood (Test code #2).A Poloxamer 188 solution (10% solution by weight) was applied to asponge of the device 100, the sponge was retracted for simulation ofinsertion into a body cavity, redeployed, and used to clean thecontaminated lens. The sponge was 6.5 mm wide and 35 mm long, andcomprised two layers of 2.75 mm thick polyurethane foam. Following, theEndoBench MTF test was performed to determine MTF of the cleaned lens(90.0), and results are shown in Table 1 as line 3. LLICS (Test code#3). Thus, after cleaning using the device 100, the lens optical claritywas approximately returned to the default clean state. The MTFmeasurements of the default clean state (92.7) and the LLICS clean state(90.0) are substantially the same.

As a second test, the endoscope distal lens was contaminated with baconfat, and the EndoBench MTF test was performed to determine the MTF(23.2) of the contaminated lens, and results are shown below in Table 1as line 4. Fat (Test code #4). A Poloxamer 188 solution was applied to asponge of the device 100, the sponge was retracted for simulation ofinsertion into a body cavity, redeployed, and used to clean thecontaminated lens. Following, the EndoBench MTF test was performed todetermine MTF of the cleaned lens (89.3), and results are shown below inTable 1 as 5. LLICS (Test code #5). Again, here the cleaned lensmeasurement (89.3) is substantially the same as the default clean state(92.7).

Following, the lens was cleaned again by hand using denatured alcoholand wipes, and the EndoBench MTF test was performed to determine the MTFas a new baseline (92.1), and results are shown in Table 1 as line 6.Baseline (Test code #6). The lens was again contaminated with bovineblood and the EndoBench MTF test was performed to determine MTF (19.2)of the contaminated lens, and results are shown below in Table 1 as line7. Blood (Test code #7). The lens was then cleaned using standardprocedures including using a Medline sponge after soaking with a Medlineanti-fog solution and wiping the lens by hand with the sponge, and theEndoBench MTF test was performed to determine MTF (89.8), and resultsare shown below in Table 1 as line 8. FRED (Test code #8). Cleaningusing a sponge by hand simulates standard cleaning procedures as usedduring surgery in which a surgeon removes the scope from the bodycavity, and the lens is cleaned by hand using a sponge and anti-fogsolution (which is used so that upon reinsertion of the lens into thebody cavity, the lens surface will not become foggy due to temperaturechanges of ambient environment versus internal body cavity). Cleaningusing standard procedures produced an MTF (89.8) and demonstrated thatthe lens was approximately returned to the baseline MTF (92.1). Inaddition, the MTF for cleaning blood using standard procedures (89.8)was substantially the same as the MTF for cleaning blood using thedevice 100 (90.0), which demonstrates in this example, that the device100 may be as effective or better at cleaning the lens. Further, thestandard deviation calculated when cleaning blood from the lens usingthe device 100 (1.1) was better than that calculated when cleaning bloodusing standard procedures (2.7).

Following, the lens was contaminated with bacon fat, and the EndoBenchMTF test was performed to determine MTF (15.4) of the contaminated lens,and results are shown below in Table 1 as line 9. Fat (Test code #9).The lens was then cleaned using standards procedures including using aMedline sponge after soaking with a Medline anti-fog solution, and theEndoBench MTF test was performed to determine MTF (91), and results areshown below in Table 1 as line 10. FRED (Test code #10). The MTF forcleaning fat using standard procedures (91) was substantially the sameas the MTF for cleaning fat using the device 100 (89.3), whichdemonstrates in this example, that the device 100 may be as effective orbetter at cleaning the lens. Further, the standard deviation calculatedwhen cleaning fat using the device 100 (1.3) was better than thatcalculated when cleaning fat using standard procedures (1.4).

TABLE 1 MTF Avg. Std. Dev. % Decrease Result  1. Baseline 92.7 0.5 —Pass  2. Blood 8.2 1.5 91% Pass  3. LLICS 90.0 1.1  3% Pass  4. Fat 23.223.3 75% Pass  5. LLICS 89.3 1.3  4% Pass  6. Baseline 92.1 0.9 — Pass 7. Blood 19.2 10.2 79% Pass  8. FRED 89.8 2.7  2% Pass  9. Fat 15.4 8.183% Pass 10. FRED 91 1.4  1% Pass

In this example, the denatured alcohol cleaned lens average MTFmeasurement can be taken as a baseline for comparison. Forcontamination, the contaminated lens was greater than a 50% reduction inaverage MTF from baseline. For a cleaned lens, the lens was less than a5% reduction in average MTF from baseline, and a standard deviation wasless than 3.0 for clean lens measurements. Standard deviation forcontaminated lens measurements can be disregarded.

In example experiments, the average MTF for contaminated lenses wasgreater than a 50% reduction, which was determined to be successful forcontaminating the lens. The average MTF decreased for all cleanedlenses, both with the device 100 and the control cleaning method, beingless than 5% indicated that all cleanings passed example acceptancecriteria. The standard deviation for all cleaned lenses was less than3.0 indicating that all lenses were cleaned successfully in all areas ofthe lenses. The example experiments quantitatively demonstrate that thedevice 100 may perform substantially similar to current methods forcleaning lenses.

Example devices described herein may be used for cleaning a lens of ascope inside a patient during a surgical procedure. The lens may beattached to a distal end of an endoscope, such as a laparoscope,flexible endoscope, arthroscope, or gastroscope. A method for cleaning alens of a scope inside a patient during a surgical procedure may includewetting the sponge, retracting the sponge, advancing a cannula into thepatient including the device, deploying the sponge, and contacting thelens with the outer surface of the sponge to clean the lens.

The sponge may be applied to clean the lens using a side of the sponge,and end of the sponge, or in any configuration based on an applicationor surgery. Thus, the end of tip of the sponge may also include acleaning surface.

Example devices described herein may be of various configurations andsizes, and thus, may be used for cleaning various instruments within abody cavity, including but not limited to, laparoscopes, endoscopes, orother instruments including lenses or cameras.

It should be understood that arrangements described herein are forpurposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the art willappreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g. machines,interfaces, functions, orders, and groupings of functions, etc.) can beused instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether according tothe desired results. Further, many of the elements that are describedare functional entities that may be implemented as discrete ordistributed components or in conjunction with other components, in anysuitable combination and location.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopebeing indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting.

1. A device comprising: a shaft that includes a rod; an element coupledto a distal tip of the rod, wherein the distal tip of the rod providesan internal structure for the element; and a handle coupled to aproximal end of the rod, wherein actuation of the handle into a firstposition causes deployment of the element from the shaft and actuationof the handle into a second position causes retraction of the elementinto the shaft.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the element includes asponge material.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the distal tip of therod includes multiple elements in a “Y” shape, and the sponge materialis provided on the multiple elements.
 4. The device of claim 2, whereinthe distal tip of the rod includes a balloon-type structure, and theballoon-type structure may be covered with the sponge material.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the element includes one of a gripper, aknife, or a scissors.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the elementincludes a sponge, and wherein the sponge includes a surfactant.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the distal tip of the rod includes holesthrough which fluid can be provided.
 8. The device of claim 1, whereinthe distal tip of the rod extends to a distal end of the element toprovide the internal structure for the element.
 9. The device of claim1, wherein the shaft is rigid.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein theshaft is generally tubular in shape and configured for insertion into abody cavity.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft is hollow andthe rod is configured within the shaft so as to move freely within theshaft via actuation of the handle.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein adiameter of the element is larger than a diameter of the shaft.
 13. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the element includes a sponge, and wherein asize of the sponge relative to a size of the shaft maintains deploymentor retraction of the sponge.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein thesponge is in a compressed form within the shaft.
 15. The device of claim13, wherein actuation of the handle into the first position results inexpansion of the sponge as the sponge is deployed.
 16. The device ofclaim 1, wherein actuation of the handle into the second position causescompression of the element as the element retracts into the shaft. 17.The device of claim 1, wherein the distal tip of the rod includes one ormore protuberances, and wherein the element is coupled to the distal tipof the rod via the one or more protuberances.
 18. The device of claim17, wherein the element includes a first end and a second end, andwherein the first end of the element is coupled to the one or moreprotuberances of the distal tip of the rod and wherein the second end ofthe element is coupled to the one or more protuberances of the distaltip of the rod.
 19. The device of claim 1, wherein an amount ofdeployment or refraction of the element is related to an amount ofactuation of the handle.
 20. The device of claim 1, wherein the handleincludes a top, a bottom, and sides, and wherein the handle isconfigured to be actuated into the first position by pressing the toptoward the bottom.
 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the handleincludes a top, a bottom, and sides, and wherein the handle isconfigured to be actuated into the second position by pressing thesides.
 22. The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuation membercoupled to the rod and the handle, wherein actuation of the handlecauses the actuation member to move the rod.
 23. The device of claim 1,wherein the handle is configured to be actuated into the first positionby squeezing the handle with the handle oriented in a first direction,and wherein the handle is configured to be actuated into the secondposition by squeezing the handle with the handle oriented in a seconddirection, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the seconddirection.
 24. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a topcomprising a first end and a second end; a first top side coupled to thefirst end of the top via a first corner hinge; a second top side coupledto the second end of the top via a second corner hinge; a first bottomside coupled to the first top side via a first side hinge; a secondbottom side coupled to the second top side via a second side hinge; anda bottom coupled to the first bottom side via a third corner hinge andcoupled to the second bottom side via a fourth corner hinge.
 25. Thedevice of claim 24, wherein actuation of the handle into the firstposition causes the top, the first top side, the second top side, thefirst bottom side, the second bottom side, and the bottom to beconfigured in a substantially hexagonal shape.
 26. The device of claim24, wherein actuation of the handle into the second position causes thetop, the first top side, the second top side, the first bottom side, thesecond bottom side, and the bottom to be configured in a substantiallyrectangular shape.
 27. A device comprising: a shaft that includes a rod,wherein the shaft is configured for insertion into a human body; and asponge coupled to a distal tip of the rod, wherein the distal tip of therod substantially extends to a distal end of the sponge, wherein thesponge is in a compressed form within the shaft and is in an expandedform deployed from the shaft.
 28. The device of claim 27, furthercomprising a handle coupled to a proximal end of the rod, whereinactuation of the handle into a first position causes deployment of thesponge from the shaft and actuation of the handle into a second positioncauses retraction of the sponge into the shaft.
 29. The device of claim28, wherein the handle is configured to be actuated into the firstposition by squeezing the handle with the handle oriented in a firstdirection, and wherein the handle is configured to be actuated into thesecond position by squeezing the handle with the handle oriented in asecond direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to thesecond direction.
 30. A device comprising: a shaft that includes a rod;a sponge coupled to a distal end of the rod; and a handle coupled to aproximal end of the rod, wherein actuation of the handle into a firstposition causes deployment of the sponge from the shaft and actuation ofthe handle into a second position causes retraction of the sponge intothe shaft, wherein actuation of the handle into the first positioncauses the handle to be configured in a substantially hexagonal shape,and wherein actuation of the handle into the second position causes thehandle to be configured in a substantially rectangular shape.
 31. Thedevice of claim 30, wherein the handle is configured to be actuated intothe first position by squeezing the handle with the handle oriented in afirst direction, and wherein the handle is configured to be actuatedinto the second position by squeezing the handle with the handleoriented in a second direction, wherein the first direction isperpendicular to the second direction.
 32. The device of claim 30,wherein the handle comprises a top comprising a first end and a secondend; a first top side coupled to the first end of the top via a firstcorner hinge; a second top side coupled to the second end of the top viaa second corner hinge; a first bottom side coupled to the first top sidevia a first side hinge; a second bottom side coupled to the second topside via a second side hinge; and a bottom coupled to the first bottomside via a third corner hinge and coupled to the second bottom side viaa fourth corner hinge.